On Television

Civic Engagement

This week we're going through the many levels of civic engagement that you can find in Florida. Carson Cooper introduces us to the up-and-coming political &new-wave," and describes how the use of high-tech social networking is becoming the norm. Irene Mayer talks with members of a Pasco County group, Protectors of Florida’s Legacy, that succeeded in turning down a Class 1 Landfill proposal in Dade City. The group argued that the project would have potentially damaged the natural resources in the area, and created an eyesore for the community. Irene also sits down with a community organizer from the NAACP, and a local activist from Florida Voices for Animals, to see how they use different approaches to achieve their goals. Larry Elliston introduces us to Stefani Busansky. Inspired by her daughter's 2001 diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Busansky turned her dream of a playground where kids of all abilities could play together into a reality.

On the Radio

The Impact of Bullying

After a group of middle school students sexually assaulted one of their peers, many parents started to wonder: how bad is bullying i our schools? We look at what's going on in schools and why doctors now consider bullying a health issue. And we consider whether there are links between the schoolyard bully and the adult who bullies co-workers.

Video extras

Irene Maher speaks with Pasco County activists from Protectors of Florida's Legacy, a group that succeeded in turning down a Class 1 Landfill proposal in Dade City. Members of the group argued that the project would have potentially damaged the natural resources in the area, creating an eyesore for the community.

Florida Matters host Irene Maher sits down with two community organizers - Don Brown from the NAACP's Florida Conference, and Nikki Benoit from Florida Voices for Animals - to discuss how they use different approaches to achieve their goals.